Electrical target with impactdeforming electrode



ELECTRICAL TARGET WITH IMPACT-DEFORMING ELECTRODE Filed Aug. 13, 1965 Sept. 30, 1969 J. w. HUBBARD 2 Sheets-Sheet l IN mcATomo /N VENTOR JOSEPH M. l/uBBARO f M A TTOR/VE Y Sept. 30, 1969 J. w. HUBBARD 3,469,843

ELECTRICAL TARGET WITH IMPACT-DEFOBMING ELECTRQDE Filed Aug. 13, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 /N VENTO JOSEPH 144 HUBBARD BY dZVW United States Patent 3,469,843 ELECTRICAL TARGET WITH IMPACT DEFORMING ELECTRODE Joseph W. Hubbard, Los Angeles, Calif. (26573 Basswood St., Palos Verdes Peninsula, Calif. 90274) Filed Aug. 13, 1965, Ser. No. 479,409 Int. Cl. A63b 71/06 US. Cl. 273102.2 12 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE There is disclosed herein an improved toy target arrangement in which electrically conductive or non-conductive projecticles impinge upon the target structure to cause at least a momentary electrical contact between a first electrode and a second electrode which are normally separated by an insulating layer. The projectile need not penetrate completely through the target structure for electrical contact between the electrodes to be made. A resilient layer is also positioned between the first and second electrodes and may, if desired, also be the insulating layer. After the projectile impinges upon the structure the resiliency of the resilient layer separates the two electrodes to terminate electrical contract therebetween. An indicating circuit is provided to indicate selectively by means of a visual signal the particular portion of the toy target that is struck by the projectile. The visual signal persists for a predetermined time period despite the only momentary contact between the electrodes in the target structure. A switch is provided to manually reset the circuitry to terminate the visual signal and reset the circuitry to indicate the next hit by the projectile.

This invention relates to a toy target arrangement and more particularly to a combined target and indicating structure that provides a visual indication of hits on the target when the target is struck by a projectile.

Target arrangements, and more particularly indicating target arrangements that provide a positive indication of a hit on a target, are often desirable for recording hits by many different types of projectiles. While many complicated and expensive target systems have been devised, particularly for bullets and the like, there has long been a need in the toy industry for a target that would provide a positive indication of a hit from such diverse objects as BBs, projectiles from air guns, darts, and the like.

Since such projectiles may not be electrically conductive, the target arrangements must provide a positive and reliable indication of the hit without requiring utilization of any electrically conductive properties of the projectile. Further, it is desirable that the indication of a hit not only be provided reliably upon each hit, but that the indicating portion of the target arrangement must be capable of distinguishing and providing a proper indicating signal depending upon which portion of the target has been struck by the projectile. That is, desirably, the indicating system provides a means for selectively scoring hits depending upon the area of the target that is struck by the projectile.

Target arrangements utilized in the past have not always been able to achieve the above desiderata. More particularly, some of the prior art target systems have provided an electrically operated indicating system that depended upon the projectile itself establishing electrical continuity between two electrodes to provide a completed circuit for an indicating arrangement. Since, as noted above, the projectiles may not always be electrically conductive, such arrangements are completely useless when the projectile is not electrically conductive and further, such arrangements do not often provide completely reliable indication of hits due to the comparatively unknown surface condition of even electrically conductive projectiles when impacting upon the target. This was true for both the types of targets wherein the projectile passed completely through as well as those where they impacted and recoiled. When target arrangements are utilized for BBs, air guns, darts, or the like, it must be remembered that basically such projectiles are comparatively low velocity and the target system must be designed to satisfactorily function and provide hit indications with such low velocity projectiles.

Other prior target systems which did not require utilization of an electrically conductive projectile often required that the projectile pass completely through the target to insure contact between two flexible penetrable electrodes that have been penetrated completely by the projectile. Such target arrangements have often proved inaccurate and/or unreliable in providing hit indication,

since the projectile often removed portions of one of the electrodes as it passed through the target and thereby did not allow contact between the two electrodes to provide hit indication. Such target systems requiring penetration therethrough by the projectile are, of course, generally not adaptable to darts or the like and are generally unacceptable from a safety standpoint for BB guns, air guns, or similar such arrangements. In such toy arrangements for indicating hits by projectiles from BB guns, air guns, darts or the like, it is desirable, of course, that the projectile impact upon the target structure, but not pass completely through, in order that the spent BB and/ or pellet from an air gun remain in the target area after impacting upon the target. Darts, of course, never pass through the target, but only impact upon the target.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved toy target arrangement.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved toy target arrangement that includes a hit indicating portion.

It is another object of this invention to provide a toy target arrangement including a hit indicating portion that provides reliable hit indication when utilized with comparatively low velocity projectiles that do not penetrate completely through the target arrangement.

It is yet another object of applicants invention to provide a hit indicating toy target arrangement that provides reliable hit indication independently of the electrical conductivity properties of the projectile.

It is a still further object of applicants invention herein to provide a toy target arrangement including a hit indicating portion wherein the hit indicating portion provides a visual indication of the particular portion of the target impacted by the projectile.

The above and other objects are achieved, according to one embodiment of applicants invention, by providing in a target structure a first electrode comprising a comparatively thin electrically conductive substantially rigid plate-like sheet that is adapted to remain intact after impact by preselected projectiles. The preselected projectiles, of course, may be any desired type of projectile, but applicants invention herein has particular application to such projectiles as BBs, pellets from air guns, darts, or the like, which are generally of a comparatively low velocity nature. The first electrode is bonded to a rigid substrate to provide structural integrity to the first electrode. The first electrode may, if desired, be divided into a plurality of discrete segments, corresponding to any preselected array such as the common bulls eye target array, and each of the segments are electrically insulated from each other.

A second electrode is spaced a predetermined distance away from the first electrode and the second electrode comprises at least one electrically conductive layer, such as metallic foil or the like, that is adapted to be penetrated by the preselected projectiles impacting on the target. A dielectric layer which, for example, may be Mylar, or similar such substances, and having a predetermined resiliency, is intermediate the first electrode and the second electrode to provide electrical insulation therebetween. The dielectric layer is also adapted to be penetrated by the projectile upon impact thereon. The second electrode may, in certain embodiments of applicants invention, be considered as including the dielectric layer in intimate contact with the electrically conductive layer of the second electrode.

In the preferred embodiment of applicants invention, applicant includes an energy absorbing layer in front of the second electrode so that the second electrode is between the dielectric layer and the energy absorbing layer. The outer face of the energy absorbing layer has a target diagram imprinted thereon. In the embodiment of applicants invention wherein the first electrode is divided into a plurality of discrete segments electrically insulated from each other, the target diagram, of course, corresponds to the pattern of the segments of the first electrode.

The energy absorbing layer may include an energy absorbing substance between the surface having the target diagram thereon and the second electrode. Such energy absorbing substance may, if desired, be cork, glass fibre, cardboard, or the like. The energy absorbing layer is desired by applicant where the target will be operated at comparatively close distances to the point where the projectiles originate such as the firing line where BB guns or air rifles are utilized, or the starting line where darts are utilized.

It will be appreciated that the energy absorbing layer may or may not be utilized in any particular application of applicants invention herein as may be desired from considerations of safety, convenience, or the like.

An indicating means is provided and the indicating means is electrically operated and connected between the first electrode and the second electrode. The indicating means includes a visual indicator, such as a neon lamp, which has an operating voltage less than its ignition voltage.

Means are provided to supply a voltage across the lamp at a value between the operating voltage and the ignition voltage. When a projectile impacts upon the target it penetrates through the energy absorbing layer, if present, through the second electrode including penetration completely through the dielectric layer and impacts against the first electrode. In the penetration through the electrically conductive layer of the second electrode, the electrically conductive layer is bent inwardly in the direction of flight of the projectile through the hole formed in the dielectric layer and contacts the first electrode. This contact between the electrically conductive layer of the second electrode with the first elect-rode acts as a momentary switch to impress a voltage across the lamp that is greater than the ignition voltage and the lamp consequently goes on. However, as the projectile recoils from the first electrode, since the projectile does not penetrate through the first electrode, the contact between the electrically conductive layer of the second electrode with the first electrode is usually broken. The preselected resiliency of the dielectric layer that is utilized aids in breaking the contact, since in the preferred embodiment of applicants invention the resiliency of the dielectric layer causes it to be self-sealing and therefore terminates contact between the first electrode and the electrically conductive layer of the second electrode after recoil of the projectile. However, as the voltage normally supplied to the lamps is greater than the operating voltage, the lamp will remain lit providing an indication of hit, even though contact between the second electrode and the first electrode is broken.

Where a plurality of segments are utilized in the first .4 electrode, a plurality of lamps are utilized with appropriate connections to each individual segment so that one lamp is lit when contact is made with the corresponding segment to which that lamp is connected. A switch may also be provided to terminate the voltage applied to the lamp so that the cycle may be repeated.

The above and other embodiments of applicants invention may be more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken together with the accompanying drawing wherein similar reference characters refer to similar elements throughout and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a sectional view through one embodiment of applicants invention;

FIGURE 2 is a view along the line 22 of FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 3 illustrates another embodiment of applicants invention;

FIGURE 4 illustrates a projectile impacting on applicants improved target arrangement;

FIGURE 5 illustrates another embodiment of applicants invention; and

FIGURES 6, 7 and 8 illustrate target hit indicating arrangements of applicants improved invention.

Referring now to FIGURE 1, there is shown the structure associated with one embodiment of applicants improved target arrangement. As shown in FIGURE 1, there is a target, generally designated 10, having a first electrically conductive electrode 12. The first electrode 12 is bonded or otherwise attached to a back-up sheet 14. The back-up sheet 14 may be wood or any other desirable substance to provide rigidity to the first electrode 12. If desired, the first electrode 12 may be comprised of a plurality of segments 16, 18, 20 and 22, and each of the segments 16, 18, 20 and 22 are electrically insulated from each other. As shown on FIGURE 2, the first electrode 12 is divided into the segments 16, 18, 20 and 22 to provide the standard bulls eye target arrangement. It will be appreciated that any other preselected array of the segments 16, 18, 20 and 22 may be utilized, the only requirement being that each of the segments be electrically insulated from each other of the segments so that indication of hit upon a particular segment may, as described below, be uniquely provided.

When the back-up sheet 14 is wood or some similar dielectric substance, then no dielectric space between the first electrode 12 and the back-up sheet 14 is required. However, if the back-up sheet 14 were to be made of an electrically conductive substance, then an intermediate dielectric layer between the first electrode 12 and the back-up sheet 14 would be required.

If desired, dielectric rings may be placed in the spaces between the segments 16, 18, 20 and 22, comprising the first electrode 12, but applicant has found that such dielectric spacers are generally not required in the preferred embodiment of applicants invention.

In such a preferred embodiment, the first electrode 12 may be an electrically conductive metallic sheet on the order of 0.050 inch thick and may be bonded directly to the back-up sheet 14. Then the grooves separating the segments 16, 18, 20 and 22 extend through the first electrode 12 down to the back-up sheet 14 to provide electrical insulation between the segments 16, 18, 20 and 22.

A comparatively thin dielectric layer 24 having a preselected degree of resiliency is positioned intermediate the first electrode 12 and a first electrically conductive, comparatively thin layer 26. A second comparatively thin electrically conductive layer 28 is separated from the first electrically conductive layer 26 by a resilient layer 30. The resilient layer 30 may be the same material as the dielectric layer 24 or, if desired, they may be fabricated from different materials. There is no absolute requirement that the resilient layer 30 also be a dielectric in nature. However, of course it is absolutely necessary that the dielectric layer 24 be a good dielectric to provide selective electrical insulation between the first electrically conductive layer 26 and the first electrode 12.

The dielectric layer 24, because of its resiliency, acts in a self-sealing manner to allow substantially only momentary contact between the first electrode 12 and the electrically conductive layers 26 and/ or 28 of the second electrode. Eimilarly, in those embodiments of applicants invention wherein the dielectric layer 30 is utilized between two electrically conductive layers such as layers 26 and 28, in the second electrode, the dielectric layer 30 not only provides a structural integrity to the second electrode 32, but also the predetermined resiliency thereof also provides a self-sealing action to help insure that only momentary contact is made. It will be appreciated, of course, that in applicants invention described herein, only momentary electrical contact between the first electrode 12 and the electrically conducting layers of the second electrode 32 is desired so that repetitive scoring, as described below, may be accomplished.

The layers 26, 28 and 30 may be considered tocomprise a second electrode, generally designated 32, and while the dielectric layer 24 may, in some embodiments of applicants invention, be supplied as part of the second electrode 32, it will be appreciated that the basic requirement is that the second electrode 32 have at least one layer of electrically conductive material and that the dielectric layer 24 provide the selective insulation between the second electrode 32 and the first electrode 12.

As shown on FIGURE 3, a first electrode 32' may comprise only a single electrically conductive layer 26 adjacent the dielectric layer 24. That is, in the embodiment shown on FIGURE 3 (the second electrode 32 is only comprised of the single layer of electrically conductive material 26'. It will be appreciated that whether a single layer of electrically conductive material, such as shown on FIGURE 3, or a plurality of layers of electrically conductive material, such as shown in the second electrode 32 on FIGURE 1, or even if more than the two layers of electrically conductive material are utilized, applicants invention will operate satisfactorily as described below.

An energy absorbing layer 34 is comprised of a comparatively thick layer of energy absorbing material 36, such as glass fibre, cardboard, cork, or the like, and an outer layer 38 having an outside surface 40 upon which any desired target diagram may be imprinted. When the first electrode 12 is divided into the plurality of segments 16, 18, 20 and 22, the target diagram imprinted upon the surface 40 may correspond to the conventional bulls eye type of target.

A first surface 42 of the energy absorbing layer 34 is adjacent to and preferably in intimate contact with the electrically conductive layer 28. In some embodiments of applicants invention, the layers 24, 26, 28 and 30 may be bonded or otherwise attached to the first surface 42 of the energy absorbing layer 34 and this entire assembly may be placed in front of the first electrode 12 to complete the target structure. Then, as the assembly comprising the energy absorbing layer 34 and the layers 24, 26, 28 and 30 is repeatedly punctured by projectiles impacting thereon and traveling therethrough, when the utility of the assembly has been substantially impaired, the entire assembly may be conveniently, economically and easily replaced with another.

It will be appreciated, of course, that the dielectric layer 24 may be provided separately from the layers 26, 28 and 30 comprising the second electrode 32 and the dielectric layer 24 may be provided directly on the first electrode 12 rather than as part of the assembly with the energy absorbing layer 34 as described above. Depending upon the number of layers intermediate the first surface 42 of the energy absorbing layer 34 and the first electrode 12, it will be appreciated that there are virtually an infinite number of combinations of dielectric layers and electrically conductive layers in the first electrode and their relative placement on one or the other of the structures or completely independent therefrom. That is, the second electrode 32 together with the dielectric layer 24 may be supplied independently of the energy absorbing layer 34 and the first electrode 12. Such an arrangement is discussed below in connection with the description of FIGURE 5.

When a projectile 44 impacts upon the target structure 10, the projectile 44 penetrates through the outer layer 38 and the energy absorbing substance 36 of the energy absorbing layer 34 and loses some of its kinetic energy in traversing therethrough. Similarly, the projectile 44 penetrates completely through the electrically conductive layer 28, the resilient layer 30, the electrically conductive layer 26, and the dielectric layer 24 to impact against the first electrode 12. It will be appreciated that the scale of the layers of the structure comprising the target 10 shown herein has been exaggerated for clarity. Actually, the layers 24, 26, 28 and 30 are comparatively thin, on the order of 0.001 to 0.007 inch thick.

FIGURE 4 illustrates the moment of impact of the projectile 44 against the first electrode 12. As shown on FIGURE 4, the projectile 44 has penetrated through the outer layer 38 and energy absorbing material 36 of the energy absorbing layer 34 and has ruptured the layers 24, 26, 28 and 30. However, before the projectile 44 recoils from the first electrode 12 in the direction indicated by the arrow 46, there is contact made between the electrically conductive layer 28 and, in some impacts, also between the electrically conductive layer 26, and the first electrode 12 and/ or the layer 28. The dielectric layer 24 has been ruptured by the projectile 44 and because of the resiliency thereof has actually tended to pull away from the impact area to allow the contact between the electrically conductive layers 26 and/or 28 with the first electrode 12.

When the projectile 44 recoils from the first electrode 12 in the direction indicated by the arrow 46, the resiliency of the dielectric layer 24 and resilient layer 30 because of the self-sealing action, tends to remove the electrically conductive layers 26 and 28 from contact with the first electrode 12 so that at the time of impact there is only a momentary contact between the electrically conductive layers 26 and 28 with the first electrode 12. After the recoil the electrically conductive layers 26 and 28 are no longer in contact with the first electrode 12. Because of the nature of the energy absorbing Layer 34 and more particularly the energy absorbing substance 36, the projectile 44 generally does not reemerge from the target structure 10, but is often trapped or otherwise remains in the energy absorbing layer 34.

It will be appreciated that the projectile 44 is much larger in comparison to the size shown for the layers 24, 26, 28 and 30 on FIGURE 4. Further, the above description of the penetration of the first electrode 32 and the dielectric layer 24, as well as the energy absorbing layer 34 by the projectile 44, is based upon applicants observation of his improved target in utilization. Therefore, the above description is believed by applicant to be substantially correct, although it will be appreciated that the exact mechanism for contact between at least one of the electrically conducive layers 26 and 28 with the first electrode 12 will vary depending upon the type of projectile 44, the velocity and kinetic energy thereof, as well as the exact composition of the various components defining the structure 10.

Referring again to FIGURE 1, a lead 48 is provided to the segment 22, a lead 50 is provided to the segment 20, a lead 52 is provided to the segment 18, and a lead 56 is provided to the segment 16. Similarly, a lead 58 is connected to a contact means 60 that is fastened to the back-up sheet 14 and contacts the first electrically conductive layer 26 and the second electrically conductive layer 28. The connecting means 60 is insulated, for example, by insulator cap 62 from the first electrode 12 and more particularly the segment 16 thereof.

The leads 48, 50, 52, 54 and 58 go to indicator means 70, as shown in FIGURE 6.

As shown on FIGURE 6, the indicator 70 is provided with a plurality of indicating means 72 which, for example, may be neon bulbs. The indicator 70 is also provided with a switch 74 and a power input 76.

FIGURE 7 is a schematic diagram of one arrangement of the indicator 70. As shown on FIGURE 7, there is provided a transformer 80 having a primary 79 connected to power input 76 which receives electrical energy for in put to the indicator 70. A first end 81 of the secondary 82 of the transformer 80 is connected in series to a resistor 84 and to the first side 85 of a diode 86. The lead 58 from the electrically conductive layers 26 and 28 of the first electrode 32 is connected into the second side 80 of the diode 86. A capacitor 90 is connected between the second end 92 of the secondary 82 of the transformer 80 and the second side 88 of the diode 86. The diode 86 acts as a half-wave rectifier and the capacitor 90 smooths the rectified signal to provide a DC signal for operation of the indicator 70.

For the arrangement shown in FIGURE 1 wherein there are four separate segments, 16, 18, 20 and 22, comprising the first electrode 12, there are four sets of two resistors connected in parallel between the second side 88 of the diode 86 and the second end 92 of the secondary 82 of the transformer 80. These sets of resistors 94a, 94b, 94c and 94d and resistors 96a, 96b, 96c and 96d, respectively, are utilized to provide circuitry to the neon lamps 72a, 72b, 72c and 72d, respectively, as described below. A switch means 74, as noted above, is provided to terminate all electrical energy to the lamps 72a, 72b, 72c and 72d.

When switch means 74 is closed, DC voltage from diode 86 and capacitor 90 at a first preselected value is provided to resistors 94a, 94b, 94c and 94d, across jumpers 95a, 95b, 95c and 95d for the lamps 72a, 72b, 72c and 72d, together with their respective load resistors 98a, 98b, 98c and 98d.

The first voltage that is thus impressed across the lamps 72a, 72b, 72c and 72d is a voltage level between the ignition voltage and the operating voltage of the lamps 72a, 72b, 72c and 72d. In the preferred embodiment of applicants invention, as noted above, these lamps are neon lamps and hence they have an ignition voltage that is greater than their operating voltage. Therefore, the first voltage is less than the ignition voltage but greater than the operating voltage, for reasons noted below.

When the lead 58 comes into contact with any of the leads 48, 50, 52 or 54, corresponding to an impact of the projectile 44 with one of the segments 16, 18, 20 or 22, it can 'be seen that this acts as a switch and shorts out the corresponding resistor 94. Thus, for example, in FIGURE 4 the projectile 44 may have impacted against the segment 16 of the first electrode 12. As such, it has provided a direct short from the lead 58 to the lead 54 and hence has shorted out the resistor 94a. Thus, during the momentary contact of the electrically conductive layers 26 and/ or 28 with the segment 16 of the first electrode 12, there is provided a second voltage across the bulb 72a that is greater than the ignition voltage and the bulb 72a is turned on. However, as noted above, when recoil of the projectile 44 occurs, the contact is preferably broken and therefore there is generally only momentary contact between the electrically conductive layers 26 and/or 28, of the second electrode 32 and the first electrode 12. However, since the ignition voltage of the neon lamps 72a has been exceeded and the lamp 72a turned on, the voltage normally supplied across the lamp 72a when switch 74 is closed being greater than the operating voltage of the lamp 72a, but less than the ignition voltage, allows the lamp 72a to continue to remain illuminated until the switch 74 is opened to terminate the voltage. Thus, a

unique indication of the hit upon a particular segment of the target 10 has been provided and the cycle may be re peated as often as desired.

In the actual structure comprising one embodiment of applicants improved target arrangement, applicant has found that the dielectric layer 24 and the resilient layer 30 may be fabricated from materials such as tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), monochlorotrifluoroethylene (Kel-F), Mylar, Saran, rubber, waxed paper, or the like. Similarly, the electrically conductive layers 26 and 28 may be metal foil such as aluminum foil on the order of 0.001 to 0.007 inch thick. As noted above, the energy absorbing material 36 may be any desired thickness of cork, glass fibre, cardboard or the like. The outer layer 38 of energy absorbing layer 34 may be heavy paper, or any other material upon which a suitable target may be imprinted.

When the target 10 and indicator 70 are utilized with household current of 110 to 120 volts, for example, the resistor 84 may be on the order of 47 ohms, the resistors 94 may be on the order of 12,000 ohms, the resistors 96 may be on the order of 22,000 ohms, and the resistors 98 may be on the order of 27,000 ohms. The capacitor C may, for example, be 20 microfarad, 400 volt capacitor, and the diode 86 may be 500 mil, 400 volt rating.

Since the switch 74 is usually operated after each hit by the utilizer, the indicator 70 is usually placed remote from the target 10 and connected thereto by the leads 58, 48, 50, 52 and 54. If such a remote arrangement is not desired, the hit indicating arrangement may be made fully automatic and included adjacent the target 10. Applicants improved invention herein may also provide such an electrically operated hit indicating arrangement for automatic recording of the hit and illumination and extinguishment of, for example, a neon bulb, for a preselected time interval after contact between the first electrode and second electrode is made.

FIGURE 8 illustrates a schematic diagram for one such indicating arrangement that, for example, may be utilized with the target structure 10 shown on FIGURE 1. The circuit shown in FIGURE 8 is for illustrative purposes for utilization where the first electrode 12, of FIGURE 1, is composed of a plurality of separate segments. That is, the first electrode 12 is divided into a plurality of segments. Thus, leads 48, 50, 52 and 54, as shown on FIGURE 8, are needed and a lead 58 is utilized to contact the electrically conductive layers of the second electrode 32. However, the type of circuitry shown on FIGURE 8 may, of course, also be utilized where the first electrode 12 is not divided into a plurality of segments. In the circuitry shown on FIGURE 8 there is provided a transformer 100 having a primary 102 connected to a source of alternating current 104, and a secondary 106. A resistor 108, diode 110 and capacitor 112 are connected to the transformer 100 in a manner similar to the connection of resistor 84, diode 86 and capacitor to transformer 80 shown on FIGURE 7, and serve the same basic purpose which is to provide a DC voltage for operation of the hit indicating circuitry.

When lead 58 is shorted to any one of leads 48, 5'0, 52 or 54, corresponding to a hit on a segment 22, 20, 18 or 16, respectively, one of the capacitors 114, such as 11411, 114b, 114C or 114d are charged with the DC voltage. This voltage level is greater than the ignition voltage value of lamps 72a, 72b, 720' or 72d, which are similar to lamps 72a, 72b, 72c and 72d described above, and therefore the corresponding lamp will be energized to emit visual radiation. The voltage from capacitor is gradually dissipated after recoil of the projectile, as described above, and eventually drops to a value less than the operating voltage and the lamp is thus automatically extinguished.

The time constant between the hit on the target 10 to ignite the lamps 72' and the automatic extinguishment thereof is determined by the values of the capacitors 114 and resistors 116, and may, therefore, be suitably chosen for any desired time constant.

Resistors 118 and 120 are bleeder resistors with values generally greater than 1 megohm.

Utilization of the circuitry shown on FIGURE 8 eliminates, if desired, a long cable to carry the leads to a remotely located indicator 70. Thus, the automatic indicator arrangement of FIGURE 8 may be incorporated in the target 10 and a separate indicator 70 eliminated.

As noted above, the second electrode 32 may be supplied, along with the dielectric layer 24, in many different configurations in front of the first electrode 12. FIGURE illustrates another embodiment of applicants invention showing another arrangement for providing applicants improved target arrangement. As shown on FIGURE 5, there is an energy absorbing layer 120, which for example, may be comprised of an outer layer 122 and an energy absorbing substance 124 and in general be similar to the energy absorbing layer 34 shown on FIGURE 1. A suitable target diagram 126 is provided on the outside surface of the outer layer 122.

A first electrode 128 which, for example, may be divided into a plurality of segments 130, 132, 134 and 136, all electrically insulated from each other, is mounted on a back-up sheet 138 and in general may be similar to the first electrode 12 and the back-up sheet 14 shown on FIGURE 1. Similarly, a plurality of leads 140, 142, 144 and 146 are individually connected to each one of the segments 132, 134, and 136, in a manner similar to that described above in connection with FIGURE 1.

A second electrode 150 is provided and, in this embodiment of applicants invention, may include a first electrically conductive layer 152 and a second electrically conductive layer 154, separated by a resilient layer 156, which layers may be similar to the electrically conductive layers 26 and 28 and the resilient layer 30 of FIG- URE 1. These three layers may be considered to comprise the second electrode 150.

The second electrode 150, together with a dielectric layer 158 that is intermediate the electrically conductive layer 154 and the first electrode 128, are Wound upon a spindle means 160 a preselected number of turns and extend between the energy absorbing layer 120 and the first electrode 128 to a take-up spindle 162.

A spring clip means 164 may be provided for electrical connection to the electrically conductive layers 152 and 154 to the lead 166.

Operation of this embodiment of appIica-nts invention is the same as that shown for the embodiment on FIG- URE 1, except that as the second electrode 150 and the dielectric layer 158 become worn or provide permanent shorts between the segments of the first electrode 128 and the electrically conductive layers 152 and/or 154, fresh portions second electrode 150 may be unwound from the spindle 160 and the used portions of the first electrode 150, together with the used portions of dielectric layer 158 may be wound up on the take-up spindle 162. Applicant has found that in many applications, the energy absorbing layer 120 has a longer life than the first electrode 150, and/or the dielectric layer 158, and therefore only these layers need be replaced at comparatively frequent intervals, as compared to the replacement time for the energy absorbing layer 120.

The leads 140, 142, 144, 146 and 166 may go to an indicator such as indicator 70 which may include either the circuitry shown schematically in FIGURE 7 or the type of circuitry shown in FIGURE 8.

This concludes the description of applicants invention of an improved target system. From the above, it can be seen that applicant has provided an indicating target arrangement that provides a positive indication not only when a hit has been made, but where there are a plurality of discrete target areas, an indication of which particular target area has been hit. Such hit information is provided even though the projectile striking the target is a dielectric material.

Those skilled in the art may find many variations and adaptations of applicants improved target arrangement, and the following claims are intended to cover all such variations and adaptations falling within the true scope and spirit of applicants invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a toy target arrangement, the improvement comprising, in combination:

a first electrode comprising an electrically conductive,

substantially rigid, planar-like means remaining intact after subjection to impact by preselected projectiles;

a second electrode comprising a laminate having at least one electrically conductive layer, another electrically conductive layer, and a resilient layer intermediate said at least one electrically conductive layer and said another electrically conductive layer;

a dielectric layer intermediate said first and said second electrodes and in intimate contact therewith and penetrated by said projectiles for allowing at least one electrically conductive layer of said second electrode to at least momentarily contact said first electrode for the condition of said second electrode and said dielectric layer penetrated by said projectile, and said dielectric layer being movable with respect to said first electrode for providing relative motion between said first electrode and shorting portions of said at least one electrically conductive layer of said second electrode for the condition of said second electrode and said dielectric layer penetrated by said projectile; and

electrically operated indicating means connected between said first electrode and said second electrode for indicating said at least momentary contact of said at least one electrically conductive layer of said second electrode with said first electrode.

2. The arrangement defined in claim 1 wherein said second electrode and said dielectric layer are laminated together and wound on a spindle means a preselected number of turns, and said second electrode is positioned to be unwound from said spindle means adjacent to said first electrode and electrically insulated therefrom by said dielectric layer.

3. The arrangement defined in claim 2, wherein said at least one electrically conductive layer and said another electrically conductive layer are metallic foil on the order of 0.001 to 0.007 inch thick, and said resilient layer and said dielectric layer have a predetermined resiliency.

4. In a toy target arrangement, the improvement comprising, in combination:

a first electrode comprising an electrically conductive,

substantially rigid, planar-like means having a plurality of electrically conductive segments and each of said electrically conductive segments electrically insulated from each other of said segments, and said first electrode remaining intact after subjection to impact by preselected projectiles;

a second electrode comprising a laminate having at least one electrically conductive layer, another electrically conductive layer, and a resilient layer intermediate said at least one electrically conductive layer and said another electrically conductive layer;

a dielectric layer intermediate said first and said second electrodes and in intimate contact therewith and penetrated by said projectiles for allowing said at least one electrically conductive layer of said second electrode to at least momentarily contact said first electrode for the condition of said. second electrode and said dielectric layer penetrated by said projectile, and said dielectric layer being movable with respect to said first electrode for providing relative motion between said first electrode and shorting portions of said at least one electrically conductive layer of said second electrode for the condition of said second electrode and said dielectric layer penetrated by said projectile;

electrically operated indicating means connected between said first electrode and said second electrode for indicating said at least momentary contact of said at least one electrically conductive layer of said second electrode with said first electrode and selectively indicating which of said plurality of electrically conductive segments of said first electrode is contacted by said at least one electrically conductive layer of said second electrode for the condition of said second electrode and said dielectric layer penetrated by said projectile;

an energy absorbing layer having a first surface adjacent said second electrode, whereby said second electrode is intermediate said first surface of said energy absorbing layer and said dielectric layer, and said energy absorbing layer having a second surface spaced apart from said first surface and said second surface having a preselected target diagram thereon and said target diagram corresponding to said plurality of segments, and an energy absorbing material intermediate said first surface and said second surface of said energy absorbing layer.

5. The arrangement defined in claim 4, wherein said second electrode and said dielectric layer are laminated to said first surface of said energy absorbing layer.

6. A toy target comprising, in combination:

a first electrode comprising a plurality of electrically conductive segments and each of said segments electrically insulated from each other of said segments and said segments arranged in a preselected array, and said first electrode adapted to remain intact after subjection to impact by preselected projectiles;

a second electrode comprising a flexible laminate structure having:

at least two electrically conductive metallic layers separated by a preselected resilient layer;

a dielectric layer; and

said second electrode positioned adjacent said first electrode and said dielectric layer electrically insulating said first electrode from said second electrode, and said second electrode and said dielectric layer adapted to be penetrated by said preselected projectiles to allow at least one of said metallic layers to contact said first electrode;

an energy absorbing layer adjacent said second electrode and said second electrode intermediate said dielectric layer and said energy absorbing layer, and said energy absorbing layer having a first surface adjacent said second electrode and a second surface spaced therefrom and said second surface having a preselected target diagram thereon corresponding to said array of said segments of said first electrode, and an energy absorbing material between said first surface and said second surface of said energy absorbing layer for absorbing energy from said projectiles; and

said first electrode, said second electrode and said energy absorbing layer substantially coextensive.

7. The arrangement defined in claim 6 wherein said second electrode is laminated to said first surface of said energy absorbing layer.

8. The arrangement defined in claim 6 and further including an electrically operated indicating means connected between said segments of said first electrode and said second electrode for providing a selective indication of said contact between said at least one of said at least two metallic foil layers of said second electrode and said first electrode.

9. The arrangement defined in claim 8, wherein said 12 indicating means provides a visual signal for a predetermined time interval after said contact between said at least one of said two metallic foil layers of said second electrode and said first electrode, and said visual signal is automatically terminated after said predetermined time interval.

10. An indicating toy target arrangement, comprising, in combination:

a first electrode comprising a plurality of electrically conductive segments and each of said segments electrically insulated from each other of said segments and said segments arranged in a preselected array in a substantially planar configuration, and said first electrode adapted to remain intact after subjection to impact by preselected projectiles;

a second electrode comprising a flexible laminate structure having:

at least two electrically conductive metallic layers separated by a preselected resilient layer;

a dielectric layer; and

said second electrode positioned adjacent said first electrode and said dielectric layer electrically insulating said first electrode from said second electrode, and said second electrode and said dielectric layer adapted to be penetrated by said preselected projectiles to allow at least one of said metallic layers to contact said first electrode;

an energy absorbing layer adjacent said second electrode and said second electrode intermediate said dielectric layer and said energy absorbing layer, and said energy absorbing layer having a first surface adjacent said second electrode and a second surface spaced therefrom and said second surface having a preselected target diagram thereon corresponding to said array of said segments of said first electrode, and an energy absorbing material between the said first surface and said second surface of said energy absorbing layer;

said first electrode, said second electrode and said energy absorbing layer substantially coextensive;

an electrically operated indicating means electrically connected to said at least two metallic layers of said second electrode and to each of said plurality of segments of said first electrode, and said indicating means having a plurality of neon lamps corresponding in number to the number of said segments in said first electrode for providing a selective visual indication of said contact of said second electrode with said segments of said first electrode to ignite one of said plurality of neon lamps upon said contact of said second electrode with each segment of said first electrode, and said neon lamps having an ignition voltage level and an operating voltage level and said ignition voltage level being higher than said operating voltage level;

means for supplying a first voltage to said neon lamps and said first voltage is at a preselected value between said ignition voltage and said operating voltmeans for providing a second voltage larger than said first voltage and at least as large as said ignition voltage selectively to each of said neon lamps for the condition of said contact between said second electrode and at least one of said segments of said first electrode to ignite said neon lamp; and

terminating means for decreasing the voltage provided to said neon lamps after said contact to a value less than said operating voltage.

11. The arrangement defined in claim 10, wherein said second electrode is laminated to said first side of said energy absorbing means and said terminating means comprises a manually operated switch.

12. The arrangement defined in claim 10, wherein said second electrode is wound a preselected number of turns 13 14 upon a spindle means and is positioned to be unwound in- 2,749,125 6/ 1956 Ream. termediate said energy absorbing layer and said dielectric 2,819,084 1/ 1958 Brown et a1. layer. 3,101,198 8/ 1963 Williams.

3,112,110 11/1963 Schulman. References 3,244,419 4/1966 Lerman. UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 2,576,960 12/1951 McAvor. 2,294,730 9/1942 Eggers. 3,304,612 2/1967 Proctor et a1. 273102.2X 2,487,871 11/1949 Havey 273--102.2 2 93 959 11/1954 R ANTON O. OECHSLE, Primary Examiner 2,749,123 6/1956 Ream- 10 MAX R. PAGE, Assistant Examiner 2,749,124 6/1956 Ream. 

